National Anthem Must Play In Cinemas Before Film, Orders Supreme Court

HIGHLIGHTSNational anthem to play in all cinemas, says Supreme Court
Anthem cannot be dramatized or commercially exploited: judges
Show respect for flag, cannot print it “on undesirable objects”: judges

NEW DELHI:
The national anthem must be played in theatres before movie screenings, the Supreme Court today directed. Everyone should stand when the anthem is played and the national flag should be shown on screen, the court said.

Acting on a petition that alleged misuse of the anthem, the court also ruled that it should not be commercially exploited or dramatized.

“When the national anthem is played it is imperative for everyone to show honour and respect It would instill a sense of committed patriotism and nationalism,” it said.

The petition was filed by Shyam Narayan Chouski, who runs an NGO in Bhopal.

It was mandatory for cinema halls to play the national anthem after every movie in the 1960s. The practice faded away by the 1990s.

In 2003, the Maharashtra government passed an order asking for the anthem to be played before the screening of any film.